Antique c.1920s Nogatco Motoring / Driving Waistcoat – Lloyd, Attree & Smith – Made in England
1920s Nogatco Motoring Waistcoat Lloyd Attree Smith Antique Driving Vest Made in England
Description
A rare and fascinating original c.1920s British motoring or driving waistcoat, made in England and bearing the early NOGATCO trademark of historic London menswear manufacturer Lloyd, Attree & Smith.
Made from a substantial camel/tan wool cloth, the waistcoat has an unusually long cut designed to provide warmth through the body while leaving the arms unrestricted – a particularly practical design for early motorists at a time when cars offered considerably less protection from the elements.
It features a deep V neckline, generous armholes, four-button front fastening and a long, simple silhouette. The utilitarian construction and heavy wool cloth give it enormous character and make it a wonderful surviving example of early British motoring clothing.
The original woven label reads NOGATCO – MADE IN ENGLAND and features the distinctive octagonal trademark device.
Research into the surviving Lloyd, Attree & Smith archive held by Hackney Archives identifies Nogatco as an early trademark used by the company. During the 1930s the firm replaced the Nogatco name with Lloyds, while retaining its distinctive octagonal device. The presence of the earlier Nogatco label therefore provides an important additional dating clue and is entirely consistent with the c.1920s date of this waistcoat.
Period advertising also confirms the Nogatco name was being commercially used during the 1920s.
An original woven owner's name tape reading D. N. Curwen remains inside the garment. This is a personal name label rather than a manufacturer's label and has been retained as part of the waistcoat's history.
A particularly special piece for collectors of antique menswear, early motoring clothing, automobilia and British social history, and a wonderfully wearable piece of approximately 100-year-old clothing.
Features / Details
Original c.1920s motoring / driving waistcoat
Nogatco
Early trademark of Lloyd, Attree & Smith
Made in England
Camel/tan wool cloth
Long sleeveless design
Deep V neckline
Four-button front fastening
Generous armholes
Unlined
Original Nogatco woven label
Distinctive octagonal trademark device
Original D. N. Curwen owner's name tape
Rare surviving example of early British motoring wear
Measurements
Armpit to armpit:
Waist:
Hips:
Shoulder to shoulder:
Nape to hem:
Please compare these measurements with a similar garment that fits you well, as antique and vintage sizing differs considerably from modern sizing.
Condition
Good antique condition for a garment dating from approximately the 1920s.
There are signs of age and previous wear, including some small marks and flecks as shown in the photographs. These are consistent with the age and utilitarian history of the garment.
The original Nogatco label and owner's name tape remain present and legible.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
